The Right Roost??

[FreshEggs54321]

How much roost space does each chickens need? Also how thick should the roost be so the poop does not get on it? [I'D LIKE IT TO BE A EASY CLEAN UP

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[cypressdrake]

I would figure 1ft. per bird. I use 2x4 which is 1 1/2 x 3 1/2 I use the 1 1/2 side turned up. I sand it down lightly so there is no splinters. They balance good on it and it stays clean.

 

[Hokum Coco]

Bedding
I have used all types of litter for coops.

I have not tried sand (sand gets good reviews on this site).

Of all the things I tried to date wood pellets have been the best. (I tried wood pellets as a last resort when pine shavings were not available.) They are super absorbent and swell up and eventually turn to saw dust. The droppings just seem to vanish and turn to dust when it comes in contact with wood pellets .

Replace my litter and clean my coop every October after I harvest my garden.


Works for me in my deep litter method.

I do add to pellets from time to time.

I have anywhere from 10 to 15 birds housed in my 4x8 coop.

Through the winter months the pellets froze harder than concrete with -40º temperatures. The poop froze before it could be absorbed by the pellets and there was like a crusty layer of poop in certain areas where they collectively took aim (no smell, messy feet or flies @ -40º). Come April things started to look after themselves.

POOP BOARDS are the "BEST" addition yet. Handles well over ½ of the poop in my set up keeps ammonia smell in check 3½" below roost excellent for catching eggs laid through the night (roost are in cups for easier removal and cleaning). I recently friction fit a piece of vinyl flooring over my poop board.it makes clean up even easier; Pop out; Scrap; Hose; Pop in.

Nest boxes
In my nest boxes I fold a feed bag to fit (nest boxes are 1 ft³). When a bag gets soiled; fold a new one; pop out the soiled; pop in the new.

Easy peasy!.

 

[aart]

2x4 with wide side up might be better for Long Island's climate, so they can cover their feet better.

 

[petrel]

I did 2 X 4s wide side up as well. My birds definitely like to hunker down over their feet when it is cold. However, once their feet are warm they will move to the roof trusses that are on their edge. Apparently roost height beats out foot comfort.

 

[Sam3 Abq]

how about natural branches (2" dia.) ? never heard of 2 x 4's out in nature where chickens come from

 

[aart]

how about natural branches (2" dia.) ? never heard of 2 x 4's out in nature where chickens come from

No coops there either....or runs...or people taking their eggs.........

 

[Sam3 Abq]

... or heated waterers / but lots of predators!